Paddle n. 1.An implement with a broad blade, which is used without a fixed fulcrum in propelling and steering canoes and boats.
2.The broad part of a paddle, with which the stroke is made; hence, Any short, broad blade, resembling that of a paddle, such as that used in table tennis. "Thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon."
3.One of the broad boards, or floats, at the circumference of a water wheel, or paddle wheel.
4.A small gate in sluices or lock gates to admit or let off water; also called clough.
5.(Zool.) A paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle.
6.A paddle-shaped implement for stirring or mixing.
7.See Paddle staff (b), below. (Prov. Eng.)
Paddle beam (Shipbuilding), one of two large timbers supporting the spring beam and paddle box of a steam vessel.
Paddle board. See Paddle, n., 3. Paddle shaft, the revolving shaft which carries the paddle wheel of a steam vessel.
Paddle staff. (a)A staff tipped with a broad blade, used by mole catchers. (Prov. Eng.)
(b)A long-handled spade used to clean a plowshare; called also plow staff. (Prov. Eng.)
Paddle steamer, a steam vessel propelled by paddle wheels, in distinction from a screw propeller.
Paddle wheel, the propelling wheel of a steam vessel, having paddles (or floats) on its circumference, and revolving in a vertical plane parallel to the vessel's length.
Paddle v. t. (past & past part. paddled; pres. part. paddling) 1.To pat or stroke amorously, or gently. (Obsolescent) "To be paddling palms and pinching fingers."
2.To propel with, or as with, a paddle or paddles.
3.To pad; to tread upon; to trample. (Prov. Eng.)
4.To spank with a paddle or as if with a paddle; usually as a disciplinary punishment of children.
5.To mix (a viscous liquid) by stirring or beating with a paddle.
Paddle v. i. 1.To use the hands or fingers in toying; to make caressing strokes. (Obs.)
2.To dabble in water with hands or feet; to use a paddle, or something which serves as a paddle, in swimming, in paddling a boat, etc. "As the men were paddling for their lives." "While paddling ducks the standing lake desire."
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